New Toulouse

Following a sharp rise in reports of local hauntings, a fresh survey of ghostly activity is taking place in New Toulouse Parish.

The Spectral Activity Survey will continue through December 5, so be on the lookout for any haints, spooks, wraiths, phantoms, specters, poltergeists, or other apparitions. Citizens who register 20 ghosts with the Beacon Spiritualist Institute will gain access to gifts organized by the Taloo Boosters Society.

“The ghosts of this parish, among them the oldest inhabitants of the area, have for too long been without a voice,” said Richard Mains, a recently deceased candidate for New Toulouse mayor. “Since many ghosts are housebound, we call upon the living to find us and tell our stories.”

The most recent survey of this type was undertaken in November 1914, when 2,720 spirits were reported in this parish.

To get started finding ghosts, visit the Beacon Spiritualist Institute at 23 Nightingale Street, New Toulouse, and pick up your “Ghost Hunter’s Kit.”

Jack Mondieu, Ace Reporter, is awfully fond of spirits.

For three weeks in November, parapsychologists, spiritualists, and amateur ghost hunters descended upon New Toulouse in search of ghosts for the Beacon Spiritualist Institute’s registry of Louisiana hauntings. With 2,720 ghosts reported, New Toulouse is the most haunted place in Louisiana by a considerable margin.

Liza Veliz runs a cafe across the street from the project’s headquarters. Asked if she met many out-of-town ghost hunters, she said, “So many, it was unbelievable—a real little invasion.”

Being a ghost herself, Miss Liza acted as the local “spectral liaison” for the project. Did any of the hunters try to hunt her? “Yes, several! They just hugged me and said, ‘I found a ghost!’”

Travelers from as far away as the Wastelands came looking for specters, and local business and community leaders offered rewards.

The Still House saloon saw lots of visitors as well. The tavern’s owner, Blake Palmer, says some of them ceased hunting there and commenced drinking instead. And a few decided to stay in town. “Ms. Fern Barker,” said Palmer, “came here for the ghost hunt, and now she owns the land beside my saloon.”

Gigi Lapin lives on the bayou with her pet crawfish, Jimbo.

Everyone knows Louisiana has plenty of ghosts, but a society in Lafayette is out to count them. The Beacon Spiritualist Institute is building a repository of ghost sightings and stories from all over the state.

“Let’s make sure the ghosts of New Toulouse are well represented,” said Miss Yvonne Follet, who is coordinating the local effort, based in the parish land office, where she works as assistant to Mayor Godenot.

Miss Liza Veliz added, “I hope every ghost is treated with respect, by the people who now share their homes and by the visitors seeking their stories.” Being a ghost herself, Miss Veliz has been appointed spectral liaison for the project.

Several local businesses and community members are offering rewards for participation. If you would like to help find ghosts and gather their stories, go to the land office to obtain a ghost hunter’s kit. The Haunted New Toulouse project runs from November 1 to 22.

Jack Mondieu knows spirits.